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Wallabies won’t win RWC without Pocock – Mortlock

Former Australian captain Stirling Mortlock believes that the Wallabies can't win the Rugby World Cup without David Pocock.

Pocock, who has been struggling to overcome a calf injury is still in doubt for this weekend's semi-final showdown against the Pumas.

Mortlock, however believes that Pocock won't be able to play his natural game if he is not fully fit.

“I don’t know how bad the calf is or was but the reality is it’s an injury that you really can’t play with it torn or it’s not 100 per cent. You just can’t,” Mortlock told ABC.

“Everything you’re doing, it impacts you dramatically.

“And for Dave and the way that he plays the game — the awareness of space and the dynamics of what’s doing at the breakdown — there’s just no way you could even push him to play even if you wanted to."

Pocock has been phenomenal at the breakdown throughout the tournament making more turnovers than any other player, and Mortlock believes that without Pocock in the team the Wallabies won't have enough firepower to beat the Pumas.

“So as much as it pains me to think I don’t think we’re going to win without him, you can’t push it.

“So it becomes an absolute pretty clear decision for the medical staff and the coaching staff,” Mortlock added.

Mortlock further praised Pocock's performances, saying that he has been the star of the tournament and if he fails to pass the fitness test on Friday, it will leave a massive dent.

“The reality is when he’s played, he’s been the best player at the tournament,” he said.

“And if you take the best player in the tournament out of your side, it’s going to leave a massive dent."